Two Mechanisms for Inter-consultation and Joint Arrangement: the Rio Group and the Ibero-American Conference

In the last five to ten years, mechanisms for inter-consultation and joint arrangement have become very important, because decisions made on the basis of common interests and positions have a growing influence on the discussion and development of the main points of the world agenda. The author recounts the agreements reached during the Rio Group meetings (G-Rio) and the Ibero-American Conference on topics such as the reinforcement of democracy, the position confronting unilateral measures, the fight against drugs, reform of the United Nations Organization, illegal arms trafficking, the international financial situation and trade. She highlights Mexico’s work as pro tempore Secretariat of the G-Rio during 1999, a period in which it was in charge of conducting inter-consultations and negotiations among the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), and between them and the European Union (EU) for the holding of the first LAC-EU Summit. The paper also stresses that the Veracruz Act, a document that reflects the historical heritage of the G-Rio, as well as the basic areas of consensus and shared principles. During the time Mexico held that position, Central American countries joined this mechanisms and, also on its initiative, cooperation in preventing and assisting in the event of natural disasters was addressed. The author concludes that through mechanisms such as the G-Rio and the Ibero-American Conference, Mexico will continue to provide active support for all aspects of the country’s development.